29/04/2024
Posted on: March 7th 2023
Part School Closure due to NEU Teacher Strikes - Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th March
This is a letter to inform you that the following changes are to be made to the school day on the 15th and 16th March 2023 due to the Teachers NEU Strike.
The following classes will be closed on Wednesday 15th March 2023
| Nursery AM/PM | 2 Hazel | 4 Yew | 5 Willow |
| 1 Elm | 3 Ash | 4 Sycamore | |
| 2 Hawthorn | 3 Silver Birch | 5 Juniper |
The following classes will be closed on Thursday 16th March 2023
| 1 Elm | 3 Ash | 5 Juniper |
| 2 Hawthorn | 4 Yew | 5 Willow |
| 2 Hazel | 4 Sycamore |
Please note: 3 Silver Birch and Nursery are only closed on Wednesday 15th March 2023
Work for children to complete on the strike day can be found on the Oak Academy website. Please complete work linked to your child’s year group. We would also encourage parents to read with their children and complete work on timetables if you are able to.
The following classes will remain open on Wednesday 15th March 2023, however adjusted operational hours will be in use.
| Name of class | Drop off time | Collection time | Collection and drop off point |
| 6 Pine | 8.40am | 3.00pm | Year 6 classroom |
| 6 Poplar | 8.40am | 3.00pm | Year 6 classroom |
| 1 Rowan | 8.40am | 3.00pm | 1 Rowan classroom |
| Rec Walnut | 8.40am | 3.00pm | Reception gate |
| Rec Oak | 8.40am | 3.00pm | Reception gate |
| KS1 Critical Worker and Vulnerable children | 9.00am | 3.00pm | Year 2 doors |
| KS2 Critical Worker and Vulnerable children | 9.00am | 3.00pm | Year 4 doors |
The following classes will remain open on Thursday 16th March 2023, however adjusted operational hours will be in use.
| Name of class | Drop off time | Collection time | Collection and drop off point |
| 6 Pine | 8.40am | 3.00pm | Year 6 classroom |
| 6 Poplar | 8.40am | 3.00pm | Year 6 classroom |
| 1 Rowan | 8.40am | 3.00pm | 1 Rowan classroom |
| Rec Walnut | 8.40am | 3.00pm | Reception gate |
| Rec Oak | 8.40am | 3.00pm | Reception gate |
| 3 Silver Birch | 8.40am | 3.00pm | Year 3 classroom |
| Nursery AM | 9.00am | 11.30pm | Nursery entrance |
| Nursery PM | 12.30pm | 3.00pm | Nursery entrance |
| KS1 Critical Worker and Vulnerable children | 9.00am | 3.00pm | Year 2 doors |
| KS2 Critical Worker and Vulnerable children | 9.00am | 3.00pm | Year 4 doors |
All clubs will be cancelled on Wednesday 15th March and Thursday 16th March 2023
FOSC breakfast club and afterschool club will still be running as usual, please liaise with FOSC directly.
Reception to Year 5 Children
If your child falls under the vulnerable category a member of the school office will be in contact with you by Friday 10th March 2023 to offer your child a place at school on Wednesday 15th March and Thursday 16th March 2023.
If you are a Critical worker, please email the school office office@graysfarm-tkat.org by Thursday 9th March at 2pm, to let us know whether you will be requiring a place for your child on Wednesday the 15th March and Thursday 16th March 2023. The following areas are the categories of critical workers.
- Health and Social Care
- Education and Childcare
- Key public services
- Food and necessary goods
- Public safety and national security
- Transport
- Utilities, communication and financial services
The government criteria is here for details of these roles. Confirmation of your child's place will take place on Monday 13th March 2023.
School dinners on the date of Wednesday 15th March and Thursday 16th March 2023
Onsite catering will continue as usual for those children whose class is open and they would normally have a school dinner. This also includes children attending the vulnerable and critical worker groups.
Children who are not in school, due to their class being closed on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th March 2023 and are eligible for Free school meals will receive a food voucher for this day. This will be emailed to parents.
Whilst we understand that these circumstances are not ideal; the result of the strike is due to a dispute with the Secretary of State and not a local dispute with the school and the trust. Therefore positive, open communications have taken place with the staff at Gray’s Farm which has allowed us to support parents/carers and our children to minimise the impact as much as possible and has supported us in putting in plan for a part closure rather than a full school closure.
In the event that a change has to be made to any open classes we will let you know as soon as possible.
Many thanks for your understanding in the matter.
